Torsion-spring for vehicles



(No Model.)

' P. J. KERN.

. TORSION SPRING FOR VEHICLES. No. 303,576. Patented Aug. 12, .1884.

' WITNESSES INVENTOR I y l I 7% I ATTOR N EYS UNITED STATES PATENTQFFICE.

PHAON J. KERN, or FRANKFORT, INDIANA.

TORSION-SPRING FOR VEHICLES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 303,576, dated August12, 1884.

Application filed December 26, 1883. (No model.)

T0 at whom itmay concern:

Be it known that I, PHAON J. KERN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Frankfort, in the county of Clinton and State of In diana,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Torsion-Springs;and I do declarethe following to be a full, clear, and exact descriptionof the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to whichit appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, and to letters or figures of reference markedthereon, which form a part of this specification.

Figure l of the drawings is a representation of an inverted plan of acarriagebody, showing my invention applied. Fig. 2 is a side elevationof the same with the front and rear bars in section. Fig. 3 is aperspective view of the torsion-bar fastening device with thetorsion-bar broken away. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one of theadjustable clamps,

and Fig. 5 is a view of a modification of the torsion-bars.

This invention has relation to torsion-springs for vehicles; and itconsists in the construction and novel arrangement of devices, ashereinafter set forth, and particularly pointed out in the appendedclaim.

In the accompanying drawings, the letter A designates the front and rearbars or front and rear springs of a four-wheel vehicle. To these areattached clips and swinging shackles, to which are connected the ends ofthe arms B of thetorsion-bars O and D, which respectively extend fromthe sides of the bed under and across the same to the opposite sides,where they are attached to the sills. Of each pair one spring-bar is infront and the other in rear, as shown. The fastenings E are formed withpivotal bearings F, for the journal portions G of the torsion-bars, andwith rigid bearings for the ends of said torsion-bars, these bearingsbeing reversed in position on each side, so that each spring is fastenedin the bearing on the opposite side,

I and turns in the bearing nearest its arm B.

The spring-bars are squared, and upon them, between the fastenings, areapplied the adj ustable clamps H,which are formed with squared aperturesI, to fit the spring-bars loosely. These clamps are secured to thebottom of the vehicle, and may be adjusted from or toward therigidly-fastened ends of the spring, and in this manner said spring maybe made stronger or more delicate, according to the weight to beborne.These regulating-clamps are of especial importance in connection withthe rear springs, and they are usually more weakened by the greaterweight which they have to carry. The regulating devices can be moved atany time to strengthen the springs, as it may be required. So, also,they are useful, when one of the two occupants is heavier than theother, to cause the vehicle to ride level and easily. v

These springs can be readily applied to two wheel vehicles, their armsbeing reversed in position or turned toward the axle, and connected tothe bar or spring that is fastened to the axle. The springs can also beused in connection with side bars.

Having described this invention, what I claim, and desire to secure byLetters Patent, iSl- The torsion-bars having their long arms C D formedof rectangular bar-iron, and pro vided with the rounded reduced journalportions G, to bear loosely in the fastenings E, in combination with thesaid fastenings E and adjustable clamps H, having squared apertures I,to fit the spring-bars loosely, the carriage-body, and the front andrear springs or bars, with means for connecting the parts, substantiallyas shown and described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

PHAON J. KERN.

W'it-nesses:

JAMEs A. Brenna, WILLIAM R. HINES.

